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RosieG

Ever been involved in medical trials? If so what were they testing?

Years ago at Loma Linda Medical Center in Loma Linda, California they were testing a bone density enhancer called CALCITONIN. Some of us got it and some got placebos. It turned out to be a very good thing. I got a placebo and the measurement of bone density at the beginning and two years later when the trials were over caused the doctor to tell me I needed to get on a bone density enhancer because my bone density had dropped significantly in those two years. So had I not been in the test I could have done myself a lot of harm due to ignorance! :)

Posted - September 26, 2019
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Responses


  • 19937
    No, I haven't.  After a certain age, my doc did send me to get a bone density test done and I had one every two or three years after that.  I've always had a higher than average bone density, which may be one of the reasons I'm so hard-headed. :)
      September 26, 2019 8:06 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    You do realize how lucky you are L I hope. My mom had osteoporosis and broke her hip due to fragile bones. It turned out when I was tested so did I and so for many years I took a bone density supplement. I broke my ankle when I was three but so far nothing else. It may be genetic or it may be just being smart. I'm glad that's one pesky thing you don't have to deal with! GOOD JOB! Thank you for your reply and Happy Friday! :)
      September 27, 2019 2:08 AM MDT
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  • 19937
    I do count myself lucky as my mom was diagnosed with osteoporosis.  Happy Friday. :)
      September 27, 2019 8:00 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Thank you for your reply L! :)
      September 27, 2019 11:06 AM MDT
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  • 3719
    I've taken part in one or two.

    When I had my knee replaced last year I was asked if I wanted to participate in trials of a new type of dressing. To help eliminate bias it was a 50-50 chance I'd be given that or a conventional dressing, and in the end it was the latter I had.

    I am in something called "ELSA": English Longitudinal Study of Aging, though it's not strictly a medical survey. It's more concerned with everyday needs, transport etc., but does include a memory test - although you are not told the results of that! There are parallel studies in the USA and several other countries, and presumably the organisers compare findings, allowing obviously for social, cultural and economic differences between countries.
      September 26, 2019 1:54 PM MDT
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  • 113301
    That is amazingly AWESOME Durdle although I don't understand why you aren't told the results of your test. I've always loved taking tests because how else do you know if you understand something? In this case it would be comforting if your results were solidly unchanged. On the other hand if you are doing less good over time maybe NOT KNOWING is the greater blessing. I'd want to know.  I think. Mebbe. So will you be involved with ELSA for the rest of your life? Of course you have the satisfaction of helping others who will come after you have moved on. Whatever is learned from this can and will benefit others. Thank you for your reply and Happy Friday. From time to time I see ads in the paper inviting people to join trials. They list the requirements so it gives folks a chance to participate. :)
      September 27, 2019 2:13 AM MDT
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